4 hours Ago By Ashima Sharda Mahindra
For adventure sports lovers who also live a busy life, indoor rock climbing is one of the best ways to keep yourself fit. Indoor climbing is one of the most physical and newest trends of the decade and is becoming more popular among youngsters. Why is indoor climbing harmful to your lungs? However, according to new studies, this trendy new sport could be filling your lungs with cancer-causing pollutants.
Austrian scientists have found that the rubber soles of footwear worn by climbers release a host of toxic chemicals into the air, which is then inhaled into the lungs. Related News | 156 Million Americans At Risk: Air Pollution Hits Dangerous Levels!Beware! This Common Lifestyle Habit Is as Dangerous as SmokingThese chemicals are linked to lung inflammation, organ damage, respiratory illnesses, and even some types of cancer. According to research conducted by the University of Vienna, scientists found the level of fumes in the air was similar to that recorded in some of the most polluted cities on Earth.
They are now warning the gyms to improve ventilation and for climbing shoe designers to change the materials used to help protect climbers and gym staff. “These substances do not belong in the air we breathe,” they said. Related News | Man Gets Fungal Lung Infection After Repeatedly Smelling His Dirty Socks; Here's HowJoint author of the new study, environmental scientist Anya Sherman, said many climbers would be familiar with the black residue left on footholds on indoor climbing walls.
“Climbers wipe it off to get a better grip, and it gets kicked up into the air,” she said. How was the study conducted? In the study, published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology Air, experts collected air samples from five climbing gyms in Vienna and four from France, Spain, and Switzerland. Scientists used an impinger — a piece of scientific equipment that acts like an artificial set of human lungs — which allows measuring exposure to pollutants.
Analysing the results, they found levels of rubber chemicals in the air were similar to those recorded on busy roads in major cities in China. The soles of climbing shoes use many of the same chemical additives as car tires to improve their grip and durability. Some of these chemicals are known to be toxic to human lung cells, and others have been linked to mass deaths of wildlife when they have leaked into rivers.
How does indoor climbing benefit you? The sport, referred to as bouldering - which specifically involves manoeuvring up and down walls without any safety equipment such as a harness—has many physical and mental health benefits. Apart from giving you a full-body workout and improving endurance, indoor climbing makes your core strong without hurting your neck or back. Areas of your body like arms, back, and shoulders will become toned in addition to building muscles in your legs without the need to pick up a weight.
It also improves flexibility and balance and helps you burn lots of calories. However, the number of calories you burn solely depends on your height, age, weight, and even gender. Indoor climbing also enhances focus and concentration and is a way to meditate, according to experts.
It helps build confidence and works as an excellent stress reliever. The amount of physical activity and the endorphins that are released generally make you feel better and assist with reducing your stress levels..
